Walton Co. sees its first human case of West Nile

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Walton County has its first human case of the West Nile virus.

The Health Department confirmed the case Friday, saying "the possibility that other individuals may become infected with the virus is extremely high."

The Northwest Florida Daily News reports the county has been under a mosquito-borne illness advisory since July after a number of sentinel chickens tested positive for the virus. Mosquito control officials are now spraying the area.

Nearby Okaloosa County announced its second death from the virus last week.

Symptoms of West Nile include headache, fever, fatigue and dizziness. Health officials warn residents to wear mosquito repellent and drain standing water from their yards to prevent contracting the virus.

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